Garden now open at Smale Park, with carousel to follow

The Duke Energy Garden is now open at Smale Riverfront Park, and more attractions are scheduled to open.

A carousel is set to open in 2015, thanks to a $5 million donation from the Haile Foundation, and a boat dock and children's playground could be open by next year.

"This is a true collaboration of private and public dollars coming together to enhance our waterfront, and I tell you what, for greater Cincinnati this is simply fabulous," said Willie Carden Jr., Cincinnati parks director.

Duke Energy contributed $450,000 and Dianne and J. David Rosenberg donated $250,000 to complete the garden.

"Great cities have great parks, and we are extraordinarily fortunate to have this as our front door," said J. David Rosenberg.

Dianne Rosenberg serves on the women's committee, which has raised more than $1 million for the park.

More than $42 million have been raised privately to complete the park, and the city has pitched in $28 million.

"I want everyone to come down and feel this beauty on our own Ohio River banks because it's stunning, it makes it alive and it's gorgeous," said Connie Stitt, who's lived at nearby One Lytle Place for 28 years.

Phase 2 of the park, which will include a conference center and banquet hall, is under construction.

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